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Barbara and Walt Hutchinson
“At first we were thinking of just collecting toys amongst some friends and family members,” Walt Hutchinson told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “But then Dr. Vic Naumov volunteered to use his office as a drop-off site for his patients and anyone else wishing to donate toys.
“I brought up the idea to my friends at Brick Oven Pizza and Cucina in North Bergen and Jersey Boys Grill in New Milford, and they agree to put boxes out.
“It’s a way to help give back to the community, especially to ones who really deserve it,” Hutchinson said.
The Marine Corps’ “Toys for Tots” drive benefits underprivileged children. The hospital campaign is for children with cancer, developmental disabilities, birth defects and other physical needs.
While making arrangements with officials at the Sanzari hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center, Hutchinson asked whether he and Barbara could sponsor an individual child.
Now they can’t wait until the 13-year-old developmentally disabled boy receives all of his presents.
“They have several families who could use sponsorships during the holiday season,” Hutchinson said.
Generously participating in the 2011 toy drive are:
Brick Oven Pizza and Cucina 7709 Bergenline Ave., North Bergen (201-662-6110)
Jersey Boys Grill 704 River Rd., New Milford (201- 262-5600)
Naumov Chiropractic Center 717 Princeton St., New Milford (201-265-8688)
ALSO: Build-A-Bear donated 10 teddy bears.
“When these kids are having a hard day or going to or coming from a surgery, they might find one of the gifts,” he said. “Their faces light up with joy and it gets their mind off things.”
The couple is also working with Port Authority Police Officer Josh Maarleveld, a U.S. Marine Corps. Reservist who is in charge of collecting “Toys for Tots” in this area.
With the help of their business friends, the Hutchinsons are seeking unwrapped toys for kids and young adults, from infants all the way up to those 21 years old. The collection will be split evenly between the hospital and the reservists.
The wish list includes:
Stuffed animals/teddy bears
Crayons
Play-doh
Model Magic
Markers
Lego sets for teens
Infant/toddler developmental toys
Crayola art kits
Fisher-Price “Little People” sets
(NOTE: The Marine take any and all toys.)
“If you can help in some small way,” Hutchinson said, “maybe it will make a big difference in someone’s life.”
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